Despite the rain and cold, crowds packed tents set up at the edge of the parking lot of 樱桃视频Station Mall last Saturday afternoon to watch over 36 people shave their heads in support of the sixth annual Balding for Dollars fundraiser.
At last count, the community had raised over $15,600 for B.C. Children's Hospital.
Money raised from the event will go directly to pediatric cancer research, hospital equipment and family support.
Ten-year-old Brackendale Elementary student Hayley Ward and her father Allan sat next to one another as volunteer stylists shore their hair. Ward says this is something Hayley has been wanting to do for a very long time. She managed to raise $1,848.85 for the cause.
Gabrielle Duarte collected over $2,000 and parted with 16 years worth of hair.
"If I was going to get my hair cut it was going to be for something big," said the father of two. "I just want to help out."
Kevin Haberl and his 11-year-old son Connor had a personal reason to take part in the event. Two young mothers living on their Brackendale cul-de-sac have recently been diagnosed with cancer. The father-son team collected over $900 before shaving.
Biker William Lewis raised over $2,400 with pledges still coming in. As the last of his locks were shaved off a voice in the crowd shouted "You look better Willie!"
Once his moustache and beard were removed, Lewis stood up to cheers and applause, reached into his pocket and donned a toque.
Six-year shaving veterans included Chief columnist Bryan Raiser, Dave Thompson, Hugh Ackroyd, Scott Gross, Russell Goodwin, Ben Tuck and Connor Seatle.
Nine-year-old Connor, who first went bald for charity when he was just three years old, has collected over $12,000 for the cause over the past six years.
Aside from the sounds of buzzing razors provided by the Girlz Garage, Divaz, Great Clips and Harbour Barber, bands Bluesberry Jam and Fretwork were on stage to entertain the crowd. The 4th 樱桃视频Scout Troop lent a hand by serving food and refreshments.
The event was organized by Cindy Turner-Gulycz, whose son Nicholas Gulycz was diagnosed with leukemia in 1997.
Nicholas is now in remission but that didn't stop his dad, Morris Gulycz, from buzzing his hair with wife Cindy behind the razor.
The event will continue on Friday (April 15) at Valleycliffe Elementary.
For more information or to donate to this charity contact Cindy Turner-Gulycz at 604-892-3142.
Correction
In a photo caption accompanying last week's preview article on Balding for Dollars Cindy Turner-Gulycz's son Nicholas Gulycz was incorrectly written. The Chief regrets the error.
